I had several questions and notably moments while watching the film. Firstly it is important to note that Mitya’s introduction into the movie is a very unique but also very revealing of his role. The character is ushered into the movie with a costume while traveling with the propagandist group “the pioneers.” The band is carrying images of Stalin: signifying Mitya’s connection to the Soviet Ruler through his work as the secret police. The fact that he is costumed is ironic as throughout the movie he is “in a costume” in a sense, hiding his true identity. Another scene I found interesting is the one with Mitya and the wife playing piano with the gas masks. Mitya doesn’t remove his mask still developing the disguised motif. However it’s a shocking scene with the happy music and the scary/off-putting masks. I think this speaks to the reality of the times and this is seen consistently though-out the film. although this movie is set in a time of great fear due to the Stalin purges there are constant funny and lighthearted moments throughout the film. Specifically Mitya’s entrance scene. the large lady on the stretcher, and how Kotov thought he walked in to his wife having sex with Mitya but it was instead some wacky music being played. Overall I think the contrast of the lighthearted film with the eminent doom awaiting is a unique contrast in the film. I was wondering if the pioneers were a real group. I was also wondering if the gas attack drills actually happened. There seems to be a sense of satire similar to what is seen in “Jojo Rabbit,” and I constantly thought of that film while watching this one.